‘Fun fact about the Uffizi: did you know that the Mona Lisa once hung there? An Italian Louvre worker stole it before the First World War because he wanted it hung in Florence. When they recovered the painting the curator asked if it could go on temporary display there, so it did.’

‘Fascinating,’ says Julie, her eyes lighting up. ‘Just talking about all that art is making me want to go back and visit. Have you been, Gary?’

‘No, I haven’t.’

‘We’ll have to go. You’d just love Florence and Sienna’s nearby and their art collections are amazing too.’

I’m about to tell her good luck getting my dad to go on holiday. He’s not really seen the point of them since Mum died, but before I get the chance he nods.

‘I’d love to. All that Italian food and wine.’

I’m flabbergasted.

‘Excellent,’ says Julie. Dad raises his eyebrows and she beams back. I get the impression that if they didn’t have company they would have kissed. ‘But next week, how about coming with us to the fête, Edie, if Miles is away?’

‘Um maybe, I’ll have to see,’ I say, not knowing how comfortable I’d be spending the day with just the two of them.

‘Of course, you must be very busy. I’ll clear up these plates, shall I?’ says Julie and I get the impression that she’s disappointed.

We all start clearing away the plates and I can’t help but feel that I’ve spoiled the end of the dinner. For years I’ve wanted my dad to find someone and be happy, but I don’t think I was properly prepared for how it would make me feel.

Chapter 7

Over the last ten days I’ve been checking my emails more than usual, eagerly anticipating the next note to self as I can’t remember how soon after the first one that I wrote the second one. I’m about to log off my office computer, when I check my personal email one last time. I get butterflies in my stomach when I see that it’s finally arrived.

I look around to make sure no one is paying me any attention, and of course the few people left in the office aren’t.